mDL Reader

How to Use the mDL Reader

Get the CA DMV Wallet App

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Get the mDL Reader

The mDL Reader enables your business to serve customers presenting the mDL on their mobile phone. Just download the DMV Wallet, add your mDL to the wallet, and you’re in business. The reader does not store or track any information.

Bars, restaurants, and special events
Use the Reader to verify a customer’s age in order to enter your facilities or make age-restricted purchases.

Banks, government entities, and secure facilities
Use the Reader to verify a customer’s identity in order to provide services or enter your facilities.

Law enforcement and rental car companies
Use the Reader to verify a customer’s driving privileges.

Customer using phone for payment at cafe restaurant, cashless QR code technology and money transfer concept

Using the mDL Reader to Verify Customers

Once you and your employees install the DMV Wallet app, it’s easy to accept the California mDL from customers for age and identity verification. No new hardware is needed.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. On the Profile screen, move the Reader toggle to the right to turn on; the toggle color will change to blue.

  2. Once the Reader is on, you will see a Reader icon at the bottom of your screen.

  3. Tap the Reader icon to open the Reader home screen. Tap the relevant verification option and prepare to scan the customer’s mDL QR code.

  4. Ask the customer to present the mDL QR code. Scan the QR code. When the mDL holder is verified, you will see “Credential Verified Issuer – CA DMV”.

  5. The process is complete. The mDL holder is now verified.

Trust and mDL Data

Data received on the DMV Wallet from the Reader is digitally signed by the DMV with temper-evident cryptography and cannot be faked or cloned.

mDL Reader Do’s and Don’ts

Do read and trust the information that is displayed on your mDL Reader after scanning an mDL. It will show the digital verification status, identify mDLs not signed by the DMV, and indicate issues.

Do avoid taking screenshots of the information. Screenshots will remove the available cryptographic protection.

red x in a pink circle Don’t read the information displayed on another phone. Read and trust only what is on the reader.

red x in a pink circle Don’t connect to the DMV systems or the internet for this operation. The process should work in areas with low or no wireless signal.

ISO 18013-5 IACA Certification

This resource is for businesses and government entities who are looking to consume/read the new Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDL) California released recently. This will provide technology and process guidance, resources and FAQs.

Questions? Ask the mDL Assistant

Frequently Asked Questions